Real-Life Communication -- Solution
Try saying something like this:
"Well, thank
you for the compliment. I may be young, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate
the concerns our older citizens face. It's my goal to listen to my constituents
on whatever issue concerns them, so I'm glad you've asked me about this.
"As
I mentioned earlier tonight, I don't believe in high taxes. That's because
as a young person, I don't want a future where taxes continue to rise. In
this way I suspect our views are quite similar? I imagine other candidates
may be closer to you in age, but I wonder if their opinions match as well
as ours.
"I'd like to thank you for coming to this event tonight and
sharing your concerns with me. Have a pleasant evening!"
This
is a real-life communications challenge faced by politicians every day.
As
a young city commissioner, Nan Whaley has often gotten questions about her
youthfulness. She was only 29 when first elected in Dayton, Ohio.
"That's happened at town halls," she says regarding questions about her age.
"I've always respected the citizen's opinion but talked about what being young
brings to the table.
"For me, it's about having diverse
voices at the table," Whaley adds. "I would always talk about being young
actually being an asset. I can relate to issues that young people can relate
to, like keeping young people in the state. I think people appreciate that."